Silks are the backbone of Indian heritage. The Banarasi silk and different assortments of Indian handlooms have won the hearts of numerous since days of yore. From the Katan Silk of Banaras, Kanjivarams of Tamil Nadu to fabrics of Orissa and Assam, our nation is home to an eccentric cluster of handloom textures and weaving procedures.
Old Indian handlooms are known for their rich procedures, choice of strings, select themes, energetic tones, and elaborate work. TravelerTraveller Marco contrasted the artfulness of Indian textures with the fragile weave. Indeed, even today, Indian handlooms, be it cotton or silk, are abundantly pursued by individuals all across the world.
History of Handlooms
Silk handloom weaving is one of the most seasoned family-based enterprises in our country. The historical backdrop of handlooms and handwoven textures in India dates as far back as the Harappan Civilization, demonstrating that early civilization occupants knew how to develop cotton, twist, and weave. Additionally, weaving abilities and turning materials find a notice in Rig Veda and Mahabharata too. The Vedas and Puranas talk about the stunning textures worn by the divine beings, goddesses, sovereignty, and ordinary citizens.
Silk was viewed as an image of eminence in old India and utilized in strict customs and services. The cotton spinners and weavers of silks have been spoken about in writing. It is accepted that the texture made by them was extremely fine, to the point that even oil couldn’t infiltrate the fabric! There are references to tied-and-colored and multi-shaded silk textures (like Patolas of Gujarat) in texts. As per one of the stories, our weaving expertise so enthralled Alexander that he reclaimed a portion of the fine Indian silk with him.
Present day Handloom industry
Handlooms prospered during the era of the Pathans and the Mughals. Afterward, the starvations of the nineteenth century, the British raj, and the universal conflicts unfavorably influenced the Indian handloom industry.
Providing employment to approximately 43.31 lakh weavers from rural and semi-urban areas, the Indian handloom industry is currently one of the largest unorganized sectors of economic activity and the second largest employment sector. The sheer hard work of the weavers and the love of the artisans have kept our heritage alive for ages, making it an irreplaceable part of our lives.
Truth be told, no other attire characterizes characterises the Indian lady as an authentic Banarasi saree does, regardless of whether it is a rich Banarasi silk saree or a normal cotton saree. So next time you want to wear a traditional, style, you know what to go after. Wear those six yards of handloom silk and appreciate the timeless beauty of silk!
Present Day Challenges
At present, with globalization in place, flawlessly hanging and wrapping a Banarasi saree is a must in any Indian household and beyond. While the original silk is nothing less than a luxury to own in the present times, the easy availability of the material has also brought low-quality and adulterated clothing options into the market. Hence, we must be well informed to differentiate the fake from the authentic and pass on the rich heritage from one generation to the next.
Read our article on the different types of work on Banarasi sarees that’ll help you understand the intricacies of the elegant work and make an informed decision next time you are out showering your love on the Banarasi silk!
About Us
At Banarasisaree.com, we take pride in bringing the finest quality of Banarasi silk from the ghats of Banaras and making it easily accessible for all the Banarasi silk lovers out there. We celebrate the dedication and skills of our weavers and thank them for adding colors and grace to our lives. For an easy shopping experience, visit Banarasisaree.com, an easy-to-use web-based shopping site where you can purchase Banarasi silk sarees online at reasonable costs.
